Parents and Family

Welcome to the Otterbein Family.

So, you want to know what Otterbein is all about? Our orientation program will show you what it means to be a proud parent or supporter of your Otterbein student.

Otterbein University strongly encourages parents and guardians to attend Orientation with their student. We have separate sessions for family members that will help you prepare to send your student to Otterbein. You will also learn more about programs and services provided by Otterbein, get any questions answered, and meet faculty/staff and other parents/guardians.

Parent and Family Orientation Information

Complete the online SOAR Reservation Form and payment as soon as you can to increase your chances of coming to your first choice of dates. This form requires payment via credit card. There is only a fee to attend orientation if the student is bringing guests. The fee is $40 for the first guest and $20 for each additional guest. Due to limited space, students are only able to bring a maximum of four guests.

If you have a concern with the payment option or guest policy, please contact the Center for Student Involvement at 614-823-3202 or orientation@otterbein.edu.

Our Orientation sessions have been designed to meet your needs, answer any questions that you have about your student's success, and prepare you for the next step with your student. A light breakfast, lunch in the Cardinals Nest, and snacks throughout the day will be provided.

Parent and Family Orientation FAQ

Have your student complete the online SOAR Reservation Form and payment at as soon as you can to increase your chances of coming to your first choice of dates. This form requires payment via credit card.

If you have a concern with this option, please contact the Center for Student Involvement at 614-823-3202 or orientation@otterbein.edu.

The information that is shared during orientation is designed to help students be successful during their first year of college. As a parent or family member that will be supporting their student during college, the information that is shared will be helpful as the student makes their transition to Otterbein. Attending orientation is also an excellent way to learn more about the campus resources available to your students and an opportunity to meet Otterbein faculty and staff.

All orientation confirmations will be sent directly to the student via their Otterbein email account. Emails will be followed-up by a postcard confirming your scheduled date. If you are unsure that your registration has been received, you can call the orientation office (614-823-3202)

Students and parents will begin the day together, but will split into separate sessions before lunch. Most parents and family members have different questions than students so we provide programs that fit the needs of parents specifically. While parents attend their sessions, students will be getting to know other first-year students, meeting with a faculty advisor, and learning more about being a successful Otterbein student.

All students will be sent a personalized link to a registration survey to their Otterbein email by May 8. Students must activate their Otterbein email to get this information. Once a student completes their survey, the Registrar’s Office will create a first-year schedule for the student. During orientation, students will meet individually with a faculty advisor to review the schedule and make any necessary changes or adjustments.

The Financial Aid office will be available to answer questions during orientation. If you have many specific questions, it is in your best interest to call the Financial Aid office (614-823-1502) before orientation to be sure your questions can be addressed individually.